10 Unexpected Benefits of Phyllanthus Urinaria (Chanca Piedra)

10 Unexpected Benefits of Phyllanthus Urinaria (Chanca Piedra): Phyllanthus urinaria is a plant with many effective medicinal uses. Right now Shemartglobal will review with readers what those effects are.

What is Phyllanthus Urinaria?

In traditional medicine, Phyllanthus niruri is described as having a slightly bitter and sweet taste, neutral properties, and affinity with the liver and lungs. It is known for its detoxifying properties, promoting liver health, supporting bile production, improving blood circulation, and acting as a diuretic. Additionally, it is used to treat sore throat, boils, dermatitis, enteritis, diarrhea, and edema.

Phyllanthus niruri has been used as a medicinal herb for over 2,000 years. According to the “Chinese Materia Medica” (1972), it helps improve liver function, enhances vision, treats water retention, and aids in digestion.

This plant can grow upright or sprawl along the ground, with an average height of 80 cm. Its leaves are thin, oval, or triangular in shape, and its flowers cluster at the tips of its branches. The flowering season is from April to June, while the fruiting season is from July to September.

Every part of the plant contains medicinal properties, but the leaves are particularly rich in phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, which are highly effective in treating liver-related diseases. The stems also contain active compounds such as nirtetralin, flavonoids, lignin, and organic acids.

After harvesting, the plant is chopped into pieces, washed, sun-dried, and further dried in shade before being stored in containers or bags for later use. Based on research and traditional knowledge worldwide, the main benefits of Phyllanthus niruri can be summarized as follows:

10 Unexpected Benefits of Phyllanthus Urinaria

1. Supports Treatment of Hepatitis

This is one of the most notable benefits of Phyllanthus niruri. In 1982, Break Stone gained global attention for its antiviral effects against hepatitis B. Clinical trials on children with infectious hepatitis using Indian Phyllanthus amarus preparations showed promising results. After 30 days of consuming 900 mg/day of the herb, 50% of the hepatitis B virus markers in their blood disappeared.

Japanese and Indian research in the 1980s attributed these benefits to the compounds phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, and triacontanal. In Vietnam, studies by researchers such as Le Vo Dinh Tuong (Military Medical Academy, 1990–1996) and Tran Danh Viet and Nguyen Thuong Dong (Institute of Medicinal Materials, 2001) confirmed its efficacy in liver disease treatment.

2. Immune System Benefits

In 1992, Japanese scientists discovered that Phyllanthus niruri extract inhibits the replication of HIV-1. In 1996, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute identified a compound in the herb, named “Nuruside,” with similar effects.

3. Detoxifying Properties

Traditionally, Phyllanthus niruri is used to treat boils, ulcers, snake bites, and parasitic infections. In Malaysia, it is used for skin inflammation, urinary tract infections, syphilis, and vaginitis. Research from Vietnam’s Institute of Medicinal Materials (1987–2000) demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effects in experimental mice.

4. Supports Digestive Health

The herb promotes appetite and relieves digestive issues. It is used in India to treat hepatitis, jaundice, dysentery, constipation, typhoid, and colitis. People in Haiti and Java use it for stomach pain and digestive disorders.

5. Respiratory Health Benefits

In India, Phyllanthus niruri is used to treat cough, bronchitis, asthma, and tuberculosis.

6. Pain Relief

Research by Kenneth Jones and Brazilian scientists revealed that Phyllanthus niruri possesses strong and lasting analgesic effects, surpassing those of indomethacin and morphine. This is attributed to its gallic acid, ethyl esters, and steroid compounds like beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol.

7. Diuretic Effects

Traditional medicine in several countries uses Phyllanthus niruri to treat water retention and promote urination. In Vietnam, it was first used for cirrhosis with ascites at the Hanoi Institute of Traditional Medicine in 1967.

8. Treats Gallstones and Kidney Stones

Indigenous South American tribes use Phyllanthus niruri for gallstones and kidney stones, naming it the “stone breaker” plant. Studies from the University of Santa Catarina (Brazil, 1984) identified alkaloids in the plant that relax smooth muscles, helping dissolve stones.

9. Benefits for Diabetes

In 1995, studies concluded that Phyllanthus niruri significantly lowers blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients experienced noticeable improvements within 10 days of use.

10. Prevention of Ulcers and Treatment of Stomach Disorders

A 2017 study on rats demonstrated the potential of Phyllanthus niruri extract to reduce stomach ulcers by inhibiting gastric acid secretion.

Additionally, the herb’s strong anti-inflammatory properties contribute to the improvement of gastric inflammation and ulceration.

Traditional Remedies Using Phyllanthus Niruri

For Pain and Detoxification:
Clean the herb, grind it with salt, and apply the mixture to wounds or boils to reduce pain and inflammation.
For Urinary Tract Infections:
Prepare 1 g of Phyllanthus niruri, 2 g of Eclipta prostrata, and 1 g of Andrographis paniculata. Dry the ingredients in the shade and boil them into a tea to drink daily.
For Liver Diseases:
Combine Phyllanthus niruri with herbs like Scutellaria baicalensis, Gardenia jasminoides, and Bupleurum chinense. Boil and consume daily for three months for optimal results.

Precautions When Using Phyllanthus Niruri

While Phyllanthus niruri is highly beneficial, consider the following:

Possible Side Effects: Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, or low blood sugar. Exercise caution if taking antihypertensive medications.
Drug Interactions: The herb may interact with certain drugs, herbs, or supplements.
Not Recommended For: Pregnant women and children under 12.